UFC Icon Shogun Rua's Swollen Elbow Blows Up Like A Golf Ball

Shogun Rua had a night to forget at UFC 255.

The mixed martial arts legend was beaten by Paul Craig with relative ease after tapping out from a series of punches in the second round.

For a former UFC champion to throw in the towel so easily, it would have certainly bruised his ego.

But that wasn't the only severe bruise Shogun was left with after the bout.

Instagram/@shogunoficial

The former light heavyweight king, who was once widely regarded as one of the best fighters on the planet, took to social media to show off a nasty elbow injury he sustained during his exchange with Craig.

In a graphic picture posted on Instagram, Shogun explains how the golf-ball-looking injury occurred but insisted that it wasn't an excuse for his demoralising defeat.

"Unfortunately things didn't go out the way I would have liked last night, and this is a part of our sport," he said.

"I suffered an injury to my elbow on the first time I was taken down, but this serves as no excuse, as it is part of fighting and it doesn't take way any merits from my opponent.

"An athletes' career is not only made of glory and thank God I was already blessed many times with the reward of victory, due to a lot of sacrifices and effort, that only those who live our everyday routine really knows what we go through.

"I want to thank all the amazing support from you guys, as always. I'm blessed for being able to do this for 18 years already, and here in 2020 you guys are the great motivation I carry with me, and that it makes me continue this far.

"Now I'm going to rest with my family, and think about my career. I know that my mission in this sport goes way beyond the octagon as well. Thanks a lot guys."

In a press conference after the event, UFC president Dana White urged Shogun to hang up the gloves for good.

"I hope it is, I hope that tonight was his last night," White said.

Instagram/@shogunoficial

"I would like to see him retire.

"[Paul Craig] looked good and not to take anything away from him at all, he came and did what he had to do tonight but just being honest, Shogun didn't look like Shogun to me tonight.

"Shogun looked old and looked like a shell of his former self tonight. Yeah, I'd like to see him hang it up hopefully."

Topics: injury, Light Heavyweight, UFC, Australia, MMA, Dana White

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry